In May 2013, Cottonsoft became a proud sponsor and supporter of Bowel Cancer New Zealand (BCNZ). The charity, founded in 2010 by a group of people affected by bowel cancer, with the support of clinicians, is committed to improving bowel cancer awareness among the general public and health professionals.
The charity aims to provide clear, up-to-date information about the disease, symptoms, what to do if diagnosed and treatments.
The long term partnership with BCNZ will see a collaborative approach to projects, including spreading the awareness message during the charity’s yearly Bowel Cancer Awareness Week and future events. Cottonsoft shares BCNZ’s aim to raise awareness of the disease with frank discussion, education and drive to improve the screening process across the country.
To further drive awareness CottonSofts are the first brand of toilet paper in New Zealand to feature bowel cancer symptoms on their packaging. The aim of this is to encourage Kiwis not to sit on their symptoms, but to get them checked out if they have any. Additionally, bespoke packaging was specially created to encourage Kiwis to participate or support the Move Your Butt Campaign.
The statistics on bowel cancer in New Zealand alone are startling:
- Each year, more than 1,200 New Zealand lives are lost to bowel cancer and almost 3,000 New Zealanders are newly diagnosed – making it our most common cancer affecting both men and women.
- Bowel cancer is also New Zealand’s second most deadly cancer. Currently, New Zealanders diagnosed with bowel cancer have only a 55% chance of surviving more than five years. BCNZ believes that this could increase, conservatively, to a 75% chance with improved screening and treatment, as well as heightened public awareness of symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis. If there are delays in diagnosis or treatment, the cancer can spread and chances of survival are reduced.
Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer could save your life
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason and/or anaemia
- A pain or lump in your tummy
If you have any concerns or if things just don’t feel right, go and seek medical advice. Learn more at www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz.
Check out CottonSofts June 2024 activity?.
For more information on BCNZ and how you can donate to the cause, please visit www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz.
